Indian spirits producers celebrated a year of milestones at the Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB), held in Jalisco (Mexico) this year. For the first time, an Indian brand won a ‘Revelation Award’ – WoodBurns whiskey – one of the competition’s highest distinctions.

Indian heritage spirits also made their debut on the international stage, with Mahua and Feni winning their first medals, spotlighting India’s native categories on a global map.

The 27^th edition of CMB’s Spirits Selection (September 8-10) witnessed more than 2,590 samples from 70 countries. These were blind tasted by 140 international experts, showcasing the competition’s standing as one of the world’s most rigorous and respected platforms for spirits.

Two of India’s leading beverage experts were present at this year’s Spirits Selection. Vikram Achanta, Founder of Tulleeho and India Ambassador for the Spirits Selection, said: “What struck me the most was watching global connoisseurs experiencing India’s native spirits for the first time. The reactions to Mahua and Feni were particularly memorable. People were genuinely surprised by their complexity and uniqueness.

“At the same time, our whiskies, brandies, rums and gins showed that India can compete at the highest levels in global categories. Spirits Selection provides a rigorous international benchmark, and the response to Indian entries spotlighted the progress and promise of our beverage industry,” he added.

Rojita Tiwari, juror and India Ambassador for the Spirits Selection by CMB 2025, noted: “With the first Revelation Award for an Indian brand and debut medals for Feni and Mahua, India’s spirits are earning the recognition they deserve on the global stage.”

In the 2025 edition of Spirits Selection, several other countries also achieved notable milestones:

• Mexico led the medal tally, with Mezcalito de Mi Corazón Papalometl taking the overall Revelation, and Tequila Maestro Dobel Blanco also winning a Revelation.
• France balanced tradition and innovation, with Cognac, Armagnac and liqueurs winning, alongside its first Revelation in vodka.
• Serbia impressed with four Grand Golds and a Revelation Rakija for Žuta Dunja.
• Scotland claimed the Revelation Scotch whisky for Tri-Carragh Lowland Distillery; Germany earned the Revelation World Malts Whiskey amid a surge in whisky entries.
• Mauritius received a Revelation Rum for New Grove Emotion, while Japan continued to progress with a Revelation Honkaku Shochu.
• Across Latin America, Brazil, Bolivia and Peru each earned Revelations for their spirits, highlighting the region’s rising global influence.